Our Fees and Services

Cardiff Park charges a fixed annual retainer for investment advisory services. The retainer is set by the scope and complexity of each relationship, not by a percentage of assets under management. Fees accrue daily and are billed quarterly, in arrears. Clients receive an invoice showing exactly what they pay.

The Retainer

Most new client engagements begin within an annual retainer range of $8,000 to $16,000. For larger or more complex situations, including multi-generational families and business entities, retainers exceed this range and are customized to reflect the level of services provided. Retainers are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted to reflect changes in scope, complexity, or inflation. Any updates are communicated before year-end and take effect at the start of the following calendar year.

How the Retainer Is Set

Every relationship begins with an initial evaluation. We review your financial picture, assess fit, and share early insights, typically over one or two meetings. The retainer is proposed at the end of this process, once we understand the work your situation actually requires. We price the relationship, not the account balance.

What the Retainer Covers

The retainer supports an integrated engagement: financial planning, portfolio design and implementation, ongoing oversight, disciplined rebalancing, tax-aware coordination across accounts, cash management, and access to your advisor throughout the year. Clients receive quarterly reports through our secure client portal. Those who prefer monthly reporting may receive it upon request.

Onboarding and Separately Billed Services

New relationships involve up-front work: linking accounts, organizing financial data, and establishing structure. A one-time onboarding fee, typically $1,800 to $3,600, covers this work and is agreed upon in advance.

Certain services involve complexity beyond the standard retainer, such as bond ladder construction, restricted stock liquidation planning, estate settlement administration, and financial restructuring due to divorce or re-partnering. Where appropriate, we provide a fixed quote in advance. Where hourly billing is warranted, our standard rate is $450, always with prior discussion and agreement.

How We Are Paid, and How We Are Not

Our compensation comes solely from our clients. We accept no commissions, 12b-1 fees, revenue sharing, referral payments, or third-party compensation of any kind, and we charge no performance fees. Client assets are held at independent custodians, principally Charles Schwab and Fidelity. Cardiff Park does not take custody of client funds or securities.

For new relationships, our default payment method is direct fee debiting from a linked custodial account, authorized in writing by the client. Clients who prefer to pay by check, ACH, or bill-pay may do so. Our agreement may be terminated at any time with 30 days’ written notice, with a final prorated invoice for services through the termination date.

Complete fee disclosures appear in our Form ADV Part 2A, available on the SEC’s website. For the reasoning behind this structure, read Why Advisor Fees Matter and Our Philosophy on Fees.

 

To learn more, visit www.cardiffpark.com, review our Form ADV Brochure on the SEC’s website (ADV Part 2A), email us at jgorlow@cardiffpark.com, or call 760-635-7526.